Thursday, August 9, 2007

Business Auto Insurance

There are a number of parts to a commercial auto insurance policy - some are required and others are just good to have, if you have the cash to pay for them. The more you add to your package, of course, the more expensive your premium.

Liability will be the biggest factor in your business auto policy when it comes to protecting your business. It can be broken down into two parts: bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury liability (BIL) will protect your business from being sued for bodily injuries, lost wages, or even death by a person involved in an accident with one of your employees. Property damage liability will cover the cost of damages done to property and structures not owned by your employee or business in the event of an accident.

Medical payments is another part of a policy that is required by most states. If your employee is in an accident and the other person involved is hurt, it will cover the cost of treatments that person needs.

Although many states don't require collision and comprehensive insurance, it's good to have since it will protect your property. Collision will cover the cost of repairs for damage done to a company car in the event of an accident (most non-owned polices do not include collision). Comprehensive coverage takes effect if your car is broken into, vandalized, or damaged during a natural disaster.

Uninsured/Underinsured motorists coverage is still required by some states, but usually it's optional. This type of coverage gets tricky, but basically if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has inadequate insurance coverage, or none at all, this will kick in and cover damages and injuries.

Other extras include towing and rental reimbursement. This coverage doesn't include towing due to illegal parking, but if your disabled company car must be towed to a repair shop, it will cover that. And if you need to rent a car in the meantime, it will cover that cost.